Trump tightens the rope on Iran, Tehran threatens oil blockade

Analysis. The US president is attempting to dictate oil export terms for a block of countries, provoking support from allies and indignation from others. Iran is feeling increasingly backed into a corner.

written by Michele Giorgio

Topic Middle East and North Africa

April 23, 2019

Forced into a corner by the irresponsible economic sanctions enacted by Donald Trump, on Monday Iran reiterated its threat to set up a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which almost one-third of all the crude oil transported by sea currently passes. General Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the Navy of the Revolutionary Guard, has said so in no uncertain terms: “According to international law, the Strait of Hormuz is a marine passageway, and if we are barred from using it, we will shut it down,” he warned. If there are threats against Iran, he added, “we will not have the slightest hesitation to protect and defend Iran’s waterway.”

Tangsiris’s warning came just as the White House announced its intention to cut Iranian oil exports to zero, ruling that starting from May 2, the US will not renew the 180-day exemptions currently granted to eight........